Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Afraid of catching a virus while downloading something? Do you want to know if the downloaded file is safe or not? This article will show you how to determine if it is safe to download something.

Steps

1. 1 Rate what you download. Are you downloading pornography or hacked software? Or are you downloading an add-on for the Mozilla Firefox browser? Most likely, pornography and hacked programs contain malicious code. So, first of all, think about what you are downloading.
2. 2 Check out the design of the site. If you download a file from a simple site, then there is a high probability that this file contains a virus. Therefore, choose sites that professional web designers have worked on.
3. 3 Rate the popularity of the site. For example, downloading something from the official Microsoft website, you will never catch a virus. Include logic and think about the popularity of the site.
4. 4 Estimate the number of users who downloaded the file and their feedback. If the file you are interested in has been downloaded by many users, and they left positive reviews about it, then you can safely download this file.
5. 5 Estimate the file size. If it's suspiciously small, don't download it.
6. 6 Be careful with executable files '.exe', '.bat', '.pif', '.scr'. After downloading such files, be sure to scan them with antivirus and anti-spyware software. Moreover, hackers disguise viruses behind a double extension, for example, '.gif.exe' - note that this is not a .gif image, but an executable .exe file.
7. 7 File signature. If you downloaded an executable file (.exe), it should open a licensing warning window when you run it. If this is not the case, then, most likely, this file threatens the security of the system. (Note that not all unsigned files are malicious, and not all signed files are safe; if in doubt, see the Tips section.)

Tips

• If you receive an email from an unknown sender with an attachment, delete it immediately. It is a virus.
• Install a good antivirus program like Norton, AVG, Avast! (even free versions of antiviruses provide a good level of security).
• The reputation of a site can be checked through WHOIS sites by simply entering the address of the site you are interested in and receiving comprehensive information (about the site owner, registration date, etc.).
• You can use a free online file scanning service like Virus Total, which will scan the downloaded file with several utilities and return the results.
• Install browser extensions (such as McAfee SiteAdvisor, Norton SafeWeb, and BitDefender TrafficLight) that automatically block dangerous sites.
• Virtual machines or sandboxing programs like Sandboxie provide a secure way to check files.
• Enter the name of the file in a search engine and read reviews about it from other users.
• Install the VTzilla extension. It scans files before downloading them and also checks links.
• Use common sense - what could be easier?

Warnings

• If you do not know if this file is safe or not, then it is better not to download it.
• If you've downloaded and run a malicious file, install a good antivirus or anti-spyware (Avast, AVG, MalwareBytes).